Raising awareness of stroke in central Africa

12 Aug 2022 Stroke awareness

This year, WSO welcomed its first society member from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Dumazedier Kabasele Foundation.

Registered in April 2022, the Dumazedier Kabasele Foundation’s vision is a world free from disability and suffering caused by stroke. The founder and president of the stroke support organisation, Dr Kabasele, is a medical doctor in Kinshasa.

‘I set up the foundation to contribute to the reduction of cases of stroke in my country. I deal with stroke patients every day and this is the first organisation of its kind focusing on the urgent need for primary and secondary stroke prevention’ says Dr Kabasele, ‘in time we will also concentrate on improving acute stroke treatment’.

The stroke support organisation recognises the importance of working alongside stroke survivors and their families, healthcare professionals and researchers to build community awareness and foster new thinking and innovative treatments. Attention to life after stroke is also seen as an important part of the organisation’s work, with a commitment to support survivors on their journey to live the best possible life after stroke.

With the burden of non-communicable diseases, including stroke, increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, the work of organisations such as the Dumazedier Kabasele Foundation at a national level are invaluable. The current priorities of the foundation are to:

raise awareness of the risk factors, signs of stroke and promote healthy lifestyles
improve treatment for stroke to save lives and reduce disability.
improve life after stroke for survivors
encourage and facilitate stroke research
advocate for initiatives to prevent, treat and beat stroke

‘Our role is to create a two-way conversation between the community, health professionals and governments to advocate for better health outcomes for all Congolese affected by stroke. We ensure people understand how stroke can be prevented and by learning the signs of stroke and acting quickly, the outcomes for those who have strokes can be significantly improved’ says Dr Kabasele.

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